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In this Update:
Gebhard Initiative Implemented in Pro-Growth Budget
The Senate approved a fiscally responsible 2024-25 state budget today that expands opportunities for educational choice and methods to grow our economy and strengthen our local communities while continuing to respect the taxpayers, according to Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48). While I am disappointed that my proposal, which passed the Senate in a bipartisan vote of 36-14 but fell on deaf ears in the Democratically-controlled House, cut the Personal Income Tax and eliminated the gross receipt fee on our energy utility bills was not included in the final product, I do take satisfaction we included real permitting reforms and pro-job programs that will attract first-rate businesses to Pennsylvania. My proposal, Senate Bill 16, creating the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program (PA SITES) was incorporated in this year’s general budget. Far too often we have seen nothing but lip service on the idea of growing Pennsylvania’s economy by attracting new businesses. Finally, we have a real program in PA SITES that will invest in site development, preparation and readiness for industries to locate or expand in the commonwealth. To attract real jobs, we need to be serious and make significant investments and this program is a great start. The fiscal year 2024-25 budget that was adopted represents a $740 million dollar reduction from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal in February. The budget also adds to the state’s Rainy Day Fund to hedge against any economic downturn in the future, bringing the total now slightly above the national average. For additional a full breakdown of the budget, click here. Gebhard Bill Benefitting Police Officers Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously passed legislation I sponsored to allow Fort Indiantown Gap police officers to be Act 120 certified under the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC). Currently, police officers at Fort Indiantown Gap complete all the same certification requirements but are never assigned numbers by MPOETC. This can prevent them from being able to transfer to another police department without retaking the exam. At a time when police officers are desperately needed, my bill would eliminate an unnecessary burden for them. The change would help recruiting efforts at Fort Indiantown Gap. With the passage of my bill, the Fort Indiantown Gap police department would finally be treated like every other municipal police department, school police department and the Capitol Police. Senate Bill 1228 is similar to a bill that allowed automatic certification for school police officers. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Passes Gebhard Bill Naming New Bridge After Sen. David J. Arnold Jr.
The Senate approved my legislation to name a new bridge in honor of the late Sen. David J. Arnold Jr. Senate Bill 1144, amended to include language I sponsored, would designate the newly constructed bridge on State Route 72 over Swatara Creek in Swatara Township as the Sen. David J. Arnold Jr. Memorial Bridge in recognition of his years of public service to the commonwealth, Lebanon County and his local community. While he didn’t have the opportunity to serve as our state senator very long before he lost his life, Dave was the embodiment of a dedicated public servant. For more than 15 years while serving as district attorney and senator, he was a leader in doing what’s right for his community. I hope everyone who uses the bridge is reminded of his commitment to helping others and his service to our community. Before being elected to the Senate in 2019, Arnold served as district attorney for Lebanon County for 14 years. As district attorney, he advocated for victims and justice throughout Pennsylvania. Arnold was a member of former Gov. Tom Corbett’s elder abuse task force and served as president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association. While Arnold served as a member of the Pennsylvania Senate, he was dedicated to advancing causes to protect the commonwealth’s children. His noteworthy legislation increased penalties on those convicted of possession of child sexual abuse materials and established a task force to combat the crime. My office, in conjunction with PennDOT, will host a ceremony honoring Arnold’s life as a public servant once the bridge is completed this fall. In 2021, Arnold passed away after battling brain cancer at 49 years old. Senate Bill 1144, which already passed the House, now moves on to the governor for consideration. License Plate Replacement Event
In coordination with the North Cornwall Police Department and PennDOT, my office held a license plate replacement event at the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center & Fairgrounds. We were able to assist over 100 constituents with replacing their damaged license plates. Damaged plates have loss of reflectivity, peeling, blistering, or discoloration, and are unreadable from 50 feet away. If you were unable to make the event, but believe you plate needs replaced, please contact our office for assistance. Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Receives Senate Approval
The Senate this week unanimously approved legislation to establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities. Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth. Senate Votes to Expand Authority of Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1080 to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements, saving money and limiting unnecessary emotional distress for the patient’s family. Pennsylvania law currently allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants and coroners to make death pronouncements. Many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues. Online Dashboard Shows Tick Hot Spots
Tick season is in full swing, but there are ways to continue to enjoy the many benefits of the Great Outdoors while minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of a tickborne disease. Pennsylvanians should take precautions every time they spend time outside as the state leads the nation in the number of Lyme disease cases. A new Pennsylvania Department of Health online dashboard shows where ticks are prevalent and the latest data on tickborne disease activity, such as Lyme disease. Tick bites can be limited using preventative measures. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents. Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. When returning indoors, check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks. Shower within two hours and check your body using a full-length mirror. Promoting Safe Driving Habits
Recognizing this week as Operation Safe Driver Week, which aims to reduce driving behaviors, here are some helpful tips so we can all enjoy the roadways safely. Speeding has been a factor in more than a quarter of crash deaths since 2008. Nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019 were not wearing seatbelts. Distracted driving is another behavior that puts people at risk. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index revealed that 88% of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. In June, the Senate passed legislation, now law, limiting the use of handheld cellular and other devices while driving. Local Events
Saturday, July 13, 10am-4pm: Keystone Diesel National Truck Show Sunday, July 14, 10am-11:30am: Fossil Frenzy: Digging Through PA’s Past Saturday, July 20-27: Lebanon Area Fair Saturday, July 10-13: Berks County Fair Saturday, July 13, 11am: Quentin Fire Company Chicken BBQ Saturday, July 13, 10am-2pm: Middle Creek 5 Mile Trail Challenge & Kids Race Sunday, July 14, 2pm-3:30pm: Branching Out: Tree ID Basics-DCNR
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